We finally got around to talking about who some refer to as the “father of storytelling”—and the 3 Act Structure—the one and only Aristotle.

In this “Book Club”-esque episode, Mikey and Molly read “Poetics”—an exploration of genre and the elements that make a great story all that it is. 

Film buffs and students of storytelling have been examining it for years and we’re here to make our own Presentation Thinking connections. 

From the “tragic beats” in a plot, to character arc, to the “cherry on top” that is song and spectacle—Aristotle’s early mappings of storytelling still resonate strongly today.

This is an episode for: film buffs, story nerds and Aristotle fan-girls.

What's in the Spice Cabinet?

Read Aristotle's “Poetics” for yourself. Note that quotes and experience will vary slightly depending on the translation you read 

• Buy the book (from a local bookstore!)

• Read it online

Some helpful extras summarizing “Poetics”

• Ask Literature (YouTube)

• StudioBinder - tons of film references! (YouTube)

• Study.com Summary

• Screencraft (Blog)

How did we get into this again?

• Aristotle’s rules of storytelling come highly recommended by award-winning writer Aaron Sorkin his Masterclass

Want to improve your storytelling skills? 

• Join us at Story Camp July 23-24 in Park City, Utah!

Aristotle’s walkout song?

• Molly says that country music is full of good storytelling so—Goodbye Earl by The Chicks